A look at the Canucks prospects, part 3 or 3

The first part of CHB’s three-part Canucks prospects analysis gave a glimpse of the Canucks prospects playing for the Manitoba Moose, and the second looked at the team’s prized European prospect, Anton Rodin. In the final installation of a look at the Vancouver Canucks prospects, we highlight the players who are currently playing in the college and major junior ranks.

Steven Anthony, LW — St. John’s Sea Dogs (QMJHL) — Drafted 7th round, 187th overall in 2009: The late selection by the Canucks was once projected to be a top selection in his draft year of 2009 but fell far off the charts. However, given he was a seventh round pick, he’s a project player who is a quintessential boom or bust prospect. Anthony’s got the size needed to succeed in the NHL game, but still needs a ton of work. In his fourth year with the Sea Dogs, Anthony is producing at a point per game clip (11 goals and 31 points in 30 games), which makes for his most productive season to date. He’ll be playing for the Moose next season if he continues to develop.

Patrick McNally, D — Milton Academy (HS) — Drafted 4th round, 115th overall in 2010: With the Canucks having squandered their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks (plus more) for Keith Ballard, Steve Bernier, and Andrew Alberts (plus more), they were left with a 4th round pick as their highest selection. Defenseman Patrick McNally was taken, and GM Mike Gillis said they had pegged McNally as a first round pick. Whether he was attempting to justify his trades or not, McNally is still an excellent puckmoving defenceman who reminds people of Brian Rafalski. He was named the USA Hockey’s top prep defenseman of the year. McNally is headed to Harvard next fall.

Kellan Tochkin, RW — Everett Silvertips (WHL) — Signed as a free agent in 2009: For a diminutive winger who is just 5’9″, you’d think Tochkin would be an above-average skater. But truth be told, it was his main weakness a year ago and that continues to be the case today. The 19-year old is in his third year with the ‘Tips, and isn’t producing at the point-per-game pace he did two years prior. Time is running out on the Abbotsford native.

Sawyer Hannay, D — Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) — Drafted 7th round, 205th overall in 2010: Plain and simple, Hannay is a rough and tough enforcer who last year was among the penalty minutes leaders (158 in 54) at just age 17. He makes a decent first pass, but that’s about it. His three assists in 29 games this year are certainly not going to put him in an All-Star game any time soon, but his 96 PIMs are noteworthy.

Jeremy Price, D — Colgate University (ECAC) — Drafted 4th round, 113th overall in 2009: Another blueliner who went the college route, Price is getting accustomed to the game. His sophomore season has seen him produce a goal and six points in 16 games of action. The offensive defenceman will likely play out all four years with Colgate, but the problem is that the ECAC is one of the weaker conferences in the NCAA, which could hinder his development.